The eve of the wedding, 

I didn’t know whose
I spotted you,
The Queen

of my fictitious kingdom.

 

I saw you...
I saw you, entering the world 

outside of your cab.
I saw your yellow dupatta 

shining, with crowded designs, 

hung
on the Hyundai’s door.
I saw that smile of yours,
when you showed
your frosty bright teeth
through
those baby pink lips.
I saw your hair
tickle
as the wind swooped by.
I saw your shiny silver earring 

with the chiming sound of Ghungroo 

in your every tiny movement.

 

The next time I saw you 

you stood by the door of your taxi 

with your luggage by your sides

you fell into the arms
of your cousin

chin on her shoulder 

drilling
palms into fists 

pulling her

closer
harder,
while tears 

welled in your eyes.

You were soaked with the thought 

of “not meeting soon”
that leaked
through your entire body.

 

When
you could no longer 

stand the pain of leaving, 

the door
swish 

opened,
and you disappeared
in no time,
with memories,
with chunks of memories.

 

I saw you,
I just saw you
But didn’t say anything because
I know,
I know
our paths
are
different.